AFC Bournemouth vs. Arsenal: Team News, Preview, Live Stream, TV Info

Arsenal return to Premier League action on Sunday with a trip to Bournemouth as they aim to pick up their first win of 2018.

Eddie Howe’s Cherries are on a good run, having gone four games without defeat in all competitions.

Read on for details of how to watch the match, followed by team news and a preview.

Date:Sunday, January 14

Time:1:30 p.m. (GMT)/11 8.30 a.m. (ET)

TV Info:Sky Sports (UK), NBC (U.S.)

Live Stream:Sky Go(UK), NBC Sports Live(U.S.)

Team News

Bournemouth remain without striker Jermain Defoe, who is recovering from a fractured ankle, while forward Josh King has an “outside chance” of featuring, according to Howe, per Neil Perrett at the Bournemouth Daily Echo.

Arsenal have doubts over midfielder Jack Wilshere, who was forced off during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg draw with Chelsea.

However, Wilshere said via Twitter the injury is not too bad and that he should be back soon:

Jack Wilshere @JackWilshere

Thanks for all the messages and support after last night. Good news is i should be back in a couple of days 🙆‍♂️⚽️💪 https://t.co/LDagEVnHmp

2018-1-11 17:20:28

The game may also come too soon for injured quartet Sead Kolasinac, Laurent Koscielny, Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil to return.

Preview

Arsenal have endured a curious week, having been dumped out of the FA Cup by Championship side Nottingham Forest before recording a creditable goalless draw at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.

Talisman Alexis Sanchez’s future also remains the subject of intense speculation, with Manchester United the latest club to make an offer, per Fabrizio Romano and Ed Aarons at the Guardian.

Manager Arsene Wenger’s future is also under scrutiny once again, with the club lining up Carlo Ancelotti if the Frenchman decides to leave in the summer, per the Evening Standard‘s James Olley.

However, Arsenal must refocus on the Premier League, as they head into the gameweek in sixth place, five points behind Liverpool in fourth.

Wenger’s side can ill afford any more slip-ups if they are to secure a top-four spot and, with it, a return to the UEFA Champions League.

Sam Joiner at The Times said Arsenal’s FA Cup exit could have a positive side:

Sam Joiner @samjoiner

Only positive of going out the FA Cup is that Arsenal can focus on the Europa League and top four without distraction. Managing all 3 with this squad would have led to failure in all of them. We’ve won the FA Cup in 3 of the last 4 years – CL football is more important this year

2018-1-11 10:17:28

The Gunners may also have fond memories of the corresponding fixture last season, which was a cracker, as the Premier League showed via Twitter:

Premier League @premierleague

69′: Bournemouth 3-0 Arsenal
FT: Bournemouth 3-3 Arsenal

What a match #OnThisDay last year… https://t.co/TVTOlHhzmw

2018-1-3 09:09:26

That match may tempt Bournemouth into taking the game to Arsenal, who have looked vulnerable defensively, although they were much improved against Chelsea, per Football.London’s Charles Watts:

Charles Watts @charles_watts

Really impressed with the back three tonight. Mustafi gave away a few silly free-kicks but other than he was on the front front and decisive. Chambers excellent alongside side him and big credit goes to Holding. Had such a tough time at Forest, he responded superbly.

2018-1-11 00:04:45

Arsenal will also need to get Alexandre Lacazette firing, as the striker has not scored in his past seven Premier League outings.